Meet Luigi Di Raimo
Luigi Di Raimo, CCPE
Published: March 7, 2022
Current Position(s)
- Area Manager, Specialty Engineering, General Dynamics Land Systems Canada
- Part Time Professor, Fanshawe College.
Education/Certifications
- BSC(HK) – University of Guelph
- MSc – University of Nottingham
- CCPE - Canadian College for the Certification of Professional Ergonomists
- CErgHF – Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors
- UXC – Nielsen Norman Group
- PMP – Project Management Institute
How long have you been an ACE member?
I just recently rejoined ACE in February 2021. I say rejoin because I was a member of the (then) Human Factors Association of Canada (HFAC) in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s.
How did you first become interested in ergonomics?
During the first 2 years of my undergrad, I took many human kinetics courses that focused on theory. It wasn’t until I took the 3rd year ergonomics course that I was exposed to the application of biomechanics and physiology theories. I really enjoyed applying ergonomics principles to design so I subsequently took the follow up human factors course and 2 independent research courses focusing on ergonomics in design.
What didn’t you learn in school that you wish you had?
The one thing I wished I had learned in school was the “selling” of ergonomics solutions. The art of developing a business case or calculating the Return on Investment (ROI) for a specific design or redesign was something that I learned over time, through trial and error and self-reflection on approaches that worked or didn’t work.
What is your favourite aspect of being an ergonomist? What is your favourite aspect of being involved in ergonomics?
In one word – variety. As a human factors specialist, I am involved in many ergonomics and human factors aspects in vehicle design. This drives the need to use my education and training in biomechanics, physiology, industrial hygiene and/or cognition to solve real world design issues. One day, I may be solving an occupant packaging issue and the next day, I am having to investigate cognitive burden in automation. I get immense satisfaction in seeing vehicles roll off the production line, knowing that I had a hand in optimizing the user experience.
What do you see as the biggest opportunity for ergonomists in the future?
From Industry 4.0 to smart appliances to Tesla automobiles; automation and artificial intelligence are having an immense impact on our daily lives. I believe ergonomics and human factors professionals can act as advocates for the user by providing insight on human abilities, strengths, and weaknesses to ensure that a human centered approach is adopted in the design and development of these technologies.
What advice would you give to a student or young professional starting out in ergonomics?
Network, Network, Network. I can’t stress this enough. Build a collection of colleagues within the industry that can be used for moral support, mentoring, job searches, and bouncing possible ergonomics ideas/solutions for a given problem, etc. Joining ACE and participating in a Regional Chapter of ACE can give the student or young professional a safe place to find other likeminded individuals. I remember going through a hard copy of the ACE Directory and cold calling people as I searched out my first job opportunity. ACE was invaluable for me to land my first ergonomics job. Apps like LinkedIn can also help with networking opportunities – join ergonomics networks within LinkedIn to keep on top of current trends within the industry.